The Wilmington Hammerheads, currently second from the bottom of the USL Second Division, defeated the Atlanta Silverbacks Men 2-1 tonight on a penalty kick in the 77th minute. The 2-1 result drops the Silverbacks out of the 2006 U.S. Open Cup and puts the Hammerheads through to the fourth round.
The Silverbacks stepped onto the field tonight without their usual intensity and without three important pieces to their recent success – starting defender David Hayes, starting midfielder and team captain Rodrigo Rios, and head coach Jason Smith. The Hammerheads took a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute when the Silverbacks failed to completely clear a corner – the ball was played back into the penalty box where an unmarked Kevin Nylen volleyed the ball past Felipe Quintero and into the net. This was the only goal of the half.
The Silverbacks tied the game up in the 60th minute when Omar Jarun was fouled in the penalty area; Alex Pineda-Chacon converted the penalty kick and tied the game for the Silverbacks. Despite the goal, the Silverbacks still struggled to find the form they’ve exhibited in the USL First Division. And when in the 75th minute the referee decided to award Wilmington a penalty of their own, the play proved to be the deciding factor of the game. Chris Bagley's PK was the last goal of the game and the end to the Silverbacks’ 2006 Open Cup.
Atlanta will return to RE/MAX Greater Atlanta Stadium on Saturday night to defend their home unbeaten streak. The game against the Portland Timbers kicks off at 7:30 pm; the first 500 fans will receive 2006 Rodrigo Rios bobbleheads and all fans will be treated to a fireworks show, rescheduled from July 4th, following the game. For ticket information call 1-866-GO-BACKS or visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.
© Atlanta Silverbacks 2006 – All Rights Reserved.
